Many of you have been asking about the weekly spelling routines and what to expect. Typically, students will copy down their personalized spelling list for the week on Mondays and have a spelling test on Fridays. On short weeks, like this week, the test will change to a Thursday instead. During these first three to four weeks of spelling practice, I am getting kids used to the routines of spelling as well as how to practice both at home and school. Therefore, you shouldn't panic about this week's test at all - we're all getting used to a new school year still! 

We use an iPad app called SpellingCity to deliver our lists and tests each week, which is part of why I've asked for earbuds/headphones to be sent to school for your child. This program allows me to personalize your child's spelling list to a challenge level that suits them and it also creates activities and spelling games based around those words.

For the record, I do not put a lot of emphasis on the tests but rather, on the continual practice and use of spelling words (or words with similar spelling patterns) in student writing. I also encourage you to practice general spelling skills with your children at home through games like Bananagrams, Scrabble, or Boggle. Regular playing of word games and writing practice at home can increase spelling competency in written work at school.

​For those of you who would like to access the activities available for your child's spelling words on SpellingCity.com, read on! 

The SpellingCity app is available for both iOS and Android devices. You can also access the web portal by clicking here. 

The rest of this post will detail step-by-step instructions of how to navigate the web portal, as well as let you know about usernames and passwords. (See Step 1 to figure out your child's username and password if using a tablet device)

If you are wondering what your child's progress is in the area of spelling, click on "My Records" in the top menu on the page. There will you be able to see which activities your child has completed, how much time they've spent on them, and even which words they are struggling with! ​

It's been a pretty fabulous couple of weeks so far in Division 6. We are having fun getting to know one another and getting our daily and weekly routines set up for the year.

We have begun diving into the Daily 5 literacy program, which promotes student self-regulation of literacy activity choice. I work with each student to determine their reading, writing, and spelling levels for personalized literacy activities, how to pick "good-fit" books for themselves, and strategies to use to improve in areas of literacy. 

For some of these activities, we will be using technology to get the students thinking about their literacy progress. Students will be recording their reading on an iPad app and listening to the playback to listen for areas of strength and areas for improvement. I like to compare this to athletes watching game-film; when you step out of the moment of performance, you are more likely to identify where you can make changes to improve. 

As a result, I'm asking for parents to send a pair of earbuds or headphones to school with their child. An attached microphone is preferred but not required (note: earbuds with small mics, such as Apple headphones, are also better for storage purposes). If you are unable to provide headphones, please send $2 with your child and I will pick some sets up at the dollar store. 

Please let me know if you have any questions - I would be happy to answer them!
-Mrs. LS